20Twelve: One Sexy Broad

August 15, 2014

1:35 PM

my iPhone5

The new Broad on Broad

“High Impact, Modern, Chic” ... those three little words are what Chantal Johnson uses to describe her sublime new boutique at 2531 Broad Avenue — 20Twelve. My first impression was “Sexy, SoftGlam, Fresh” so somewhere in between those six descriptions should provide enough intrigue to check out the new Broad on Broad. And what a dame she is ... the storefront itself lures you in with seductive promises as the most beautiful mannequins are tots decked in futuristic threads and posed among divine furniture. The lifestyle shining back at me attracted right away and had me before I even made it across the threshold with a door being held wide open by super star security man, Warren Woods. I was lucky enough to take a peek before the soft opening this week and haven’t been able to quit thinking about it since.

Walking into 20Twelve made me feel like I was shopping out of town. Upon entry, the outdoor/indoor stereo system was playing the Coolest Music Ever and enormous screens were playing the Fall 2014 Giambattista Valli show (I’m a Valli Girl so I’m thrilled to have this line here!). Those two elements alone transported me to shopping in another fav boutique — Chanel, anywhere on the Planet. The look and feel is certainly global elegance without being stuffy — not an easy combo to pull off. And, this may come with ease to Chantal because she is Latina ... that’s right. We Are Everywhere. She was born in Guatemala to a Guatemalan mother and American dad. La sangre Latina shows and Memphis should be thankful. Details like the chevron ceramic tile floor, paralyzingly beautiful light fixtures, the tables ... and then there’s the clothing and home goods for sale. This one’s gonna put a major dent in my savings account. Chantal’s international background and lifetime traveling to every End of the Earth is personified in 20Twelve.

The store will have new brands to the Memphis market including Blumarine, Thakoon Addition, 3x1 denim, Giambattista Valli, and Kelly Wearstler. Returning labels that have disappeared but are now back (Gracias A Dios) are Jonathan Adler and Mother denim. I STILL wear my (4-year-old) Mother jeans and they are — no lie — The Softest Denim and have molded to my bod like no other pair I have ever had. An excellent celestial sign from above occurred when I found a stash of Yosef snakeskin and leather purses and bracelets. My grey and gold Yosef bracelet was a 40th bday gift from bestie, Saffa Koja, who sent it from NYC. Now, I can get more Yosef right here and support an awesome local biz. BAM.

Do you like hot girls? I do, so I was pleased as punch when I laid eyes on all the gorgeous women working the floor — another reflection of Chantal. And not to be outdone, security stud Warren Woods represents the handsome gentleman demographic. Chantal has big plans for 20Twelve and it is worth every penny of the investment to have her shop succeed. It is the perfect stop for a killer outfit, a beautiful investment piece for your home, or a quick happy for a gift. From Head to Toe, and Bar to Bedroom, 20Twelve has it all. !Anda!

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